When did you start your creative practice and why?
I have been a professional artist for over 40 years. I trained as a textile designer at now MMU where drawing and painting then was the basis for producing textile designs. People admired my designs and paintings and decided to focus on my painting after my first child was born. Though I have also produced textiles since.
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
Vivid, and impressionistic, predominately using acrylic but also using oils and mixed media.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
I paint most subject matter, but allotments have been a theme for about 30 years. I find that the gardeners create such personal spaces, using found objects and their planting, that I find endlessly inspiring.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
My approach to my work is the same, whatever the subject matter, as I am looking for complex compositions which will lead the viewer through the painting. My aim is to use a limited palette to create a breadth of colour that will in turn create a harmonious composition.
Is there a particular piece of yours that feels especially meaningful? Why?
I very much enjoy recording my family and have sketchbooks of my recordings over forty years and these are very special to me.
What do you find challenging as an artist, and how do you overcome these challenges?
Painting is quite an insular occupation, so I do enjoy mixing with other artists for support and so enjoy being part of a group. I am presently a member of Craven Arts, Skipton.
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
I have many ideas of work that I wish to create but I do question what I am creating and my aims. This is when I stop and reflect, take time away from a piece and come back to it with a fresh approach.
How does your immediate environment or location play in your work?
I enjoy painting outside, responding to the weather, atmosphere and the scale which I feel makes my work more emotive. When I am not outside, I work from my own resources, I want to remember what being there felt like and utilize this in my response.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
My inspiration is drawn from both historical and contemporary sources, notably the colourists of the past such as the Fauvists, as well as modern art movements. Specific artists include, David Hockney, Matisse and Janet Fish.
How has your style or perspective evolved over time?
My materials have developed over time; my earlier works were much more fluid and used dye and watercolour. Now, I am interested in developing depth using layers. My understanding of creating composition has developed and I feel my use of colour has been greatly influenced by my textile training.
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just couldn't do without?
A good range of long-handle brushes to create expressive marks.
How do you balance artistic expression with practical concerns like income or marketing, social media?
I tend to paint what inspires me as I don’t think it would not be a good outcome if my heart was not in it. I have found that certain themes can be more popular than others, but it can be difficult to predict what people will buy. A purchase of a painting can be a very personal one, where an element may evoke meaning to the viewer. I produce work to commission, but always ensure that the customer know my style, I listen to what they would like and then produce an outcome which is in line with my artistic expression but also one that satisfies the brief.
If you could give the younger you advice what would it be?
Standardise my sizes
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